The National WWII Museum in New Orleans was absolutely great! The entire campus is incredibly well…read morelaid out, packed with tons of interactive exhibits that keep you fully engaged from start to finish. A massive highlight was the 4D theater movie narrated by Tom Hanks--it was awesome and is highly recommended if you visit. Make sure you give yourself definitely a few hours to go through everything so you can properly learn and take in as much as possible. If you are staying next door at the Higgins Hotel, there is a small ticket discount available, which is a nice perk. We didn't get to try the food inside the museum, choosing instead to go offsite to Magazine Pizza. It's located within steps of the museum and turned out to be a smarter choice cost-wise, I think!

Two of my cousins visit annually because they love this museum so much. When they told me that hat…read moreI knew we add it to our vacation itinerary! We decided to visit on a rainy Thursday morning. We got there right after they opened. All of the staff and volunteers were so friendly and helpful. We went through all of the exhibits at the museum. Learned a lot and am so glad we visited!

I learned so much on this tour--especially about the different brands. I had no idea that several…read morebrands I've tried before are actually connected to Sazerac Company, which was a really interesting surprise. One of the highlights for me was a modern twist on the classic Sazerac--an elderberry and amaro version that was complex, unique, and unexpected. I also tried a coffee-inspired Sazerac that was incredibly smooth, with rich espresso notes that balanced perfectly with the bold flavors of the original. It was so good it honestly made me forget about Patrón XO Cafe. Each floor includes a tasting sample along with a recipe card, which was such a nice touch and makes it easy to recreate the drinks at home. The space is very well set up, with elevators and bathrooms on every floor, and you can even see parts of the distillery during the experience. Overall, it's an engaging, well-organized tour that's both informative and fun. Definitely worth it if you're interested in cocktails or want to learn more about spirits.

We came here on a whim because it was raining heavily and outdoor plans were limited. Since it was…read morewithin walking distance, we decided to check it out and I'm so glad we did. In hindsight, this absolutely deserved a spot on our itinerary. It's a unique combination of a liquor shop, museum, and immersive experience, where they walk you through the history of some of the iconic drinks that originated in New Orleans. The entire experience from the visuals to the storytelling to the tastings comes together beautifully. I was genuinely amazed that something this well done is offered for free. After the tour, we wanted to pick up a few bottles, but unfortunately they were out of what we were looking for. We even came back the next day, but it was still out of stock, which was a bit of a letdown. The staff was incredibly friendly and took the time to answer all our questions. Overall, this is a must-do experience if you're in the area.

New Orleans Pharmacy Museum was such a cool and fascinating museum to walk through! We were looking…read morefor something unique to check out while visiting for the weekend, and this was 5 stars all the way. The museum is highlights the world of pharmacies and medicine in the 19th century. It was so interesting! They also have this amazing little hidden back area where they do weddings - it was a dream of a spot tucked away perfectly. Extra plus - they do military discounts on tickets. Definitely a must check out if you're into museums.

Honestly this is my 3rd visit to the guided tour of the 1st licensed pharmacy in the United States…read more Each visit I learn more fascinating details.

Today I had a reading with Miss Raven! The shop was able to schedule me in and before I knew it,…read moreRaven was whisking me away for our read! It was amazing! I laughed, almost cried, felt seen!!! Thank you so much for your wisdom, insight, and time with me!

This shop is recommended by NOLA famous High Priest Robi Gilmore as authentic. They have tons of…read moreherbs and ingredients to practice vodou (which is the actual way to spell and say it if you're talking Haitian Creole, like voh-doo). They have alters and figurines. Candles and protective charms. There are educational explanations pinned up around the shop for many of the items on display so you can learn about the practice while perusing. They also have voodoo dolls, which Robi has mentioned are NOT an authentic part of the religion. While the shop has a lot of interesting inventory, it was super crowded in here and very touristy, so you really couldn't enjoy the wares or talk to the employees (who I'm told are knowledgeable and interesting, but alas I'll never know for myself). That's the main reason for four stars instead of five.

Located right off the Spanish Plaza, Vue Orleans is a fun, historic observation tower allowing for…read moreunobstructed views of the riverside and French Quarter. For an observation deck it's reasonably priced as well. Checking in is very easy and it's right next to the Canal Street trolley station making it a convenient stop. When you enter you're greeted with videos and short exhibits outlining New Orleans' deep and rich cultural history. This part really sets a tone for the city and is a great introduction into some of the city's culture if you're unfamiliar with it. When we went it was pretty empty and we felt like we had a lot of time to explore. Heading up into the elevators you watch a short clip on the walls which shows New Orleans throughout the ages and lets you see history well beyond when it was even known as New Orleans. Once you reach the main deck you are inside the tower with panoramic views of the city. There are also exhibits there showing more history. One more short elevator ride later and you are at the outdoor deck. The deck itself is pretty barren but does allow for great photo ops weather pending. We unfortunately went on a very windy day so if you're looking to take photos make sure to check the weather and plan ahead as best as possible. This observation deck isn't as classic or immersive as Sears Tower in Chicago or some of the ones in NYC, but for what it is, it's a very beautiful and fun way to learn more about the vibrant city of New Orleans.

Great immersive and educational museum and observation deck. If you get the city pass, you can get…read morea discount on their Bayou Breeze cocktail at their observation deck cafe. My family and I enjoyed this experience as it is interactive and very interesting. And the 360 view of New Orleans is beautiful.

I took the trolly from my hotel here. The trolly actually ends right outside the entrance, which…read moreallows a lovely stroll on the park sidewalk to the doors of the museum. I didn't pay attention when purchasing the ticket, but it includes admission to the Besthoff Sculpture Garden. The indoor museum is two stories, composed of multiple rooms. They have an expansive collection of art from different cultures all over the world, and nearly every single era. There are Mexican Terracottas from 100 BC to an enlarged Incredible Hulk lunchbox on display. Many paintings and large sculpture. I enjoyed walking through the different themed rooms and viewing the collection, including my favorites, Alberto Giacometti, Rene Magritte, Pablo Picasso and Joan Miro. They also have the portrait of Washington that's on the US dollar bill on display. Afterwards, I walked outside to the sculpture garden. There's a man at the entrance who smiled and greeted me as I walked by. I enjoyed walking through the expansive garden as well. Sculptures are strategically integrated into the garden, such as sculptures of people casually sitting on benches or children on the diving board by the lake. It's pleasant and serene. I highly recommend visiting the New Orleans Museum of Art. It's educational for the entire family.

How can you say anything but great things about the New Orleans Museum of Art. It is this vast…read morestructure, offering all kinds of art from all of the different genres. From the moment you walk in, you will be overwhelmed by the great art that is on display. This museum is broken up into various rooms. In each of these rooms you'll find a very specific type of art. Whether it's Classical, Renaissance, or Modern Art, they really offer a lot of the various expressions of art. It's really a visually great place to visit. This is very well designed museum. It's very open and spacious. You never feel like you're overwhelmed by the other people that may be viewing the art inside. This is a multilevel museum. So, be sure to go upstairs, because there you will find another entire collection of art. When I was there most recently, they were exhibiting ancient art from Mesoamerica and beyond. Really a great exhibit. More than just an interior museum, this museum has a vast outdoor sculpture garden. Not only is it really a great place to just walk around, and enjoy the environment. But, you get to view some really exceptional works of art. The statuary are situated in various places around the grounds. Plus, they have some very nice works that are incorporated with their large lake area. Great place to take a walk! Really, enough cannot be said about this art museum. It's really a must visit if you are ever in New Orleans.

I'm intrigued by all things spooky, murder, true crime, death, etc. and had been wanting to go to…read moresome sort of murder museum for a LONG TIME. But it seems they're always in tourist-y towns, never close to where I live. But of course while planning the New Orleans trip, we had to add this to the itinerary. Right when you walk in, there is a little gift shop we perused at first. There was lots of really cool little knick knacks, and looking back on it, I regret not getting anything. The other three girls were extremely intrigued by all the posters and art lining the wall, and Rachel went back and forth on getting this one piece of art so many times. (Side note, she decided to not get it, but a couple days later on the trip, she was so distraught about her choice to not get it, that she requested we go back to the museum simply so she didn't have to leave New Orleans without it). I saw a t-shirt or baseball cap or something that said something to the effect of "I Came to the Museum of Death and puked" or passed out or something, and I saw it before we even went in! I have an extremely high tolerance for blood, and murder & death related things, so I wasn't necessarily worried at that point, but I was extremely curious what us 4 girls were about to get ourselves into. It's disappointing I have no pictures to attach because they didn't allow photography of any sort inside. I really wish I did, because this museum was packed with things right up my alley. There was a huge serial killer artifacts, including letters written by serial killers, artwork by serial killers, and memorbilia from murder scenes, like O.J. Simpson and the Manson Family. I didn't know this until later, but I guess the New Orleans Museum of Death has the biggest collection of Serial Killer artwork anywhere. There was lots of explicit and graphic photos of famous deaths and car crashes, taxidermy, and autopsy tools. It's funny because I already knew I was going to like that stuff. But I didn't know how the other girls would do. Even if they seemed intrigued, I knew at least Ashley struggled to look at real crime scene photos. But all the girls seemed to do really well; even if it was hard to look at it, they had a hard time looking away. I was unbelievably amazed that I was looking at the actual handwriting of notorious serial killers on paper, and I could barely believe my eyes that I was looking at actual artifacts and memorbilia, like the bra and panties of Aileen Wurnos. Around 3/4ths through the museum, I started feeling kinda nauseous. That had been a somewhat recurring theme during my New Orleans trip, and I truly think it was just because I was away from home in an unfamiliar territory (so I was anxious constantly, although I was having SO much fun), it was UNBELIEVABLY hot and humid being below sea level, so I was always sweaty and uncomfortable. And we were drinking alcohol every couple hours every single day, so my stomach just wasn't happy with me. And although I know for a fact I wasn't ill because of the material in the museum, but I'm sure it didn't help. I was *mostly* done with looking at what I wanted to anyway, so I asked Ashley if she'd sit down with me while we wait for the others to be done. We were hoping there would be some sort of seating toward the end, and sure enough, there was the perfect place for us to relax and wait. The end of the museum has a Theater of Death, it is literally just a room with maybe about 6-8 church pews in front of a movie theater screen TV, that just plays an endless stream of gore. We were seeing heads get chopped off, violent executions, police finding dead bodies inside attics, and just the most gory scenes. It was such a funny and ironic moment, that we went to find solace and somewhere to relax, and that was where we wound up. Even though I can handle A LOT of gore, even sitting watching that for 20-25 minutes straight was quite the sickening experience. I feel like we spent ample time at the Museum of Death, and I don't feel like we rushed ourselves or missed anything. But I do hope I get the opportunity to go back another time, so I can get more time viewing and appreciating the artifacts collected to make such an interesting museum. I'd also love to see the other location(s?) of Museum of Death.

I walked out after 5 minutes. Tourist trap that profits off glorifying serial killers and…read morecommodifying murder through shock value. I didn't leave feeling thought-provoked, enlightened or creeped out. I left feeling heavy, confused and physically sickened. Some people may like that, like that one website from millennial times where they would show you shocking pictures of death to get clicks, but not me! Misleading signage in front makes it look educational. $20 basically helped to pay off this "museum's" investment in serial killer prison art, photos of dead/murdered people, including children, displayed like a quirky tchotchke. I identify as being dark and macabre, majorly Scorpio, super fascinated by medical history, psychology, shadow side of humans and support normalizing death, but my god, these are people's family members that were murdered or died by tragic accident being consumed for fun. The tone was to shock. It seemed to normalize the consumption of shocking acts, objectification of people and disruption of empathy. It also smelled really bad. I'm not trying to be vindictive (as someone who works at a science museum, could be improperly preserved specimens) but it smelled so bad I had to put my mask on. The back of the ticket says their exhibits may fall on you and they're not responsible. They don't explain this when they take your money and hand your admission card, didn't realize until I got back to my stay.

I had the distinct pleasure of visiting this interactive cultural funhouse, highlighting the Joy /…read moreArt / Music of New Orleans. It was truly a love letter to the city, full of colorful, unique, and creative art exhibitions, all made out of recycled materials (which I found to be impressive and admirable)! There was a curated playlist of amazing jazz music playing throughout, which really set the tone delightfully! Upon entering, guests are welcomed into the space and there was a personable and helpful guide who described the space, then led us into the opening rooms. The first one was blue with neon pink, green, and glowing, with letters, symbols, and TV screens, comprising of one big puzzle. The next is a long hallway of hot pink with blue detailing and lights throughout, along with cool protruding, spongy shapes representing organs on the walls. Very psychedelic vibes! This led into a large space with sculptures of a larger than life alligator mouth open wide, creature atop a huge pot with the words "Stir the Pot," crawfish, tall lily pads, insect jazz band, peacock and more. There was also a cool, pretty flower wall, and upon closer inspection, I discovered they were made out of records. From there, I headed upstairs to see the blue, purple, and pink room holding the gorgeous Fountain of Youth glowing bright blue, filled with gold coins in them for wishes. The ceiling was lush and leafy with a lovely hanging light, as well as a pearly oyster shell inspired one. In addition, there was a shotgun style house with a balcony we could go in. Back downstairs, I explored a bar neon colored words related to New Orleans all over the walls, with upside down piano & drinks. Next, I checked out a decorative white a black room, featuring a glowing green stand. With the press of a button, it turned the room disco-y blue with a glow in the dark effect. After that, I went into the beautiful Desire themed room with humongous pearl structures hanging down, where you can write and release your true desires. Such a dreamy, ethereal feel to this one! There was a little sleek and sexy speakeasy space, called Candlelight Lounge. Then was one of my favorite exhibits: Feast Mode, displaying glittery New Orleans culinary delight classics in true indulgent style, as well as super funky, fun paintings and art pieces. Near this room was a window with full of shiny, delicately constructed objects of vibrant colors representing New Orleans. This was a glitzy video opp with props offered, with the phone going in the center, spinning around and capturing us dancing, shimmying, or whatever suits your fancy! The remaining few installations were music themed with drums and large silver circles, which could be played, emitting different sounds to create a symphony of song. At the end, there was a room showcasing larger than life sculptures of heads of musical greats, including Louis Armstrong, Lil Wayne, and Big Freedia. I really enjoyed my time here. Staff were super welcoming, accommodating, and helpful with photos throughout. The artistry, detail, and care was visible throughout each and every art piece and room. JAMNOLA was such a fun experience and I recommend you check it out for yourself!

I took my 12 year old daughter to JAMNOLA and we had a blast…read more Every room was something different, super colorful, interactive, and just fun. She was excited the whole time, and honestly so was I. It's one of those places where you can actually enjoy it as an adult and still let your kid have their moment too. We definitely got some really cute pictures, so if you're into that, you're going to love it. It's very "stop, pose, next room, do it again" in the best way. It's not a super long experience, but it's worth it. I'd say give yourself about an hour, maybe a little longer if you're taking your time with photos. Only tip is try to go when it's not too crowded, because some people really turn it into a full photoshoot and you'll be waiting a little. Overall, I'd definitely recommend it, especially if you have kids or just want something different to do in the city.

Some interesting exhibits here, really enjoyed the Michalopoulos: Mystical Expressionism space…read more Those were my favorite pieces. Currently experiencing renovations, so a couple of the rooms on the first floor are being remodeled.

We stumbled across this museum by accident on our way towards the St Louis Cathedral. We figured to…read morestop by on a whim simply to learn about the history of Louisiana. It's a very complex history, from the Spanish rule to French rule to the Louisiana Purchase to slavery, amongst many other things. This museum helped give us a brief snapshot of history. The Cabildo itself has been kept in fairly decent shape despite the climate and the 1988 fire. They've done a good job preserving the building. For $11, you can't go wrong and you get your money's worth. Budget about 30-45 mins to see everything in entirety. It's not a long visit by any stretch.

I have seen what feels like thousands of museums. I will say it's probably over a couple hundred…read moreat least, maybe more. One of my favorite art genres is southern art and folk art, so I wanted to swing by Ogden. They have very little traditional art, for which I am grateful. I like things that are a little quirky or moody or have something to say. They have four floors of exhibits (one floor is offices only). I saw some great art focusing on the Black experience in the south as well as music and jazz. They had a couple wonderful photo exhibitions as well, one focusing on jazz legends and another showing never before seen photos from their collection that, of course, focused on the culture of the south. Was 15 dollars a ticket, which is well worth it. We probably spent about 90 minutes here, though you could spend longer if you wanted to read every single plaque. Some of the plaques were a little wordy, but covered the topics well. Staff was polite and helpful. This is right next to the WWII museum, which is a WONDERFUL museum and the most attended attraction in NOLA. I would say you could swing by Ogden before or after that museum, but that might be a little much given the pure expanse of the WWII venue. As another yelper said, Ogden is not an essential stop when in New Orleans, but I would definitely recommend it at least once to see what southern art is all about. You'd likely be surprised at the diversity and talent on display.

What an unexpected pleasure. We thoroughly enjoyed the Ogden Museum. Kudos to the curators; the…read moredifferent exhibits were engaging. The woman at the front desk was super helpful. The museum should rightly be titled the "Ogden Museum of Mostly Louisiana Artists with a Handful of Others Thrown In." What struck me is how a relatively small museum had such high content of interesting works. Part of the trick is not devoting too much space to historical retrospective. I've attached photos of some of my favorite works.